D I S FO R D ES K Stacey Corbin Ellis (George Mason) and her family build and deliver desks in their Charlotte community to low-income students
PAG E 20
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Spring 20 21
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in this issue 3
SENTIMENTS
Letter from Facilities Management Chairwoman Barbie Chadwick
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B U I L D I N G S T RO N G G I RL S
25 years of Girls on the Run
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RE A D U P!
Add these Gamma Phi-written books to your reading list
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T H E N A N D N OW
Sisters from the same chapter, with 10+ years between them, compare their college experiences
PAC E , P L E A S E!
Helpful reminders when creating personal goals
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C E L E B R AT E A S I S T E R
Nominate and celebrate a deserving member for Convention
CO N F I D E N T WO M E N
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60 + Y E A R S O F S I S T E RH O O D
An Alpha Delta (Missouri-Columbia) group proves that sisterhood is timeless
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L I F E LOYA L
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FO U N DAT I O N
Remembering Susan Schlessman Duncan (Colorado College)
GA M M A P H I V I B E S
The Gamma Phi Beta aesthetic in everyday places
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awards
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FAC I L I T I E S M A N G E M E N T CO M PA N Y
Zhuzh up your space with the Gamma Phi Beta look
D I S FO R D E S K
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I N O U R H E A RT S
low-income students
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A S TA R , O U R S I S T E R
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Honoring the life and legacy of Cloris Leachman
Stacey Corbin Ellis (George Mason) and her family build and deliver desks in their local community to
LIVING WELL
(Northwestern)
Refresh your pantry on a budget
get in touch
12737 E. Euclid Drive, Centennial, Colorado 80111
Send us snail mail, join our newsletter and find us on social.
@gammaphibetasorority GammaPhiBeta.org
Gamma Phi Beta
Sisters
DE A R
This is my first time writing for The Crescent, and admittedly, I don’t exactly know where to start! I suppose a quick introduction can’t hurt. My name is Barbie Chadwick, and I am honored and proud to serve as the new 2020-22 Facilities Management Company (FMC) Chairwoman. In case you didn’t know, the FMC is the newest entity within One Gamma Phi Beta, and as such, we are continuing to learn and grow each year, setting new goals as we accomplish past ones. On the topic of goals, it is never too late to set personal goals for yourself. On pages 6-7, Beta Alpha sisters Hope Beach and Cathy Merritt share helpful reminders before setting new goals. Since the Belonging, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (BEDI) Summit, I have been committed to personal growth in my knowledge about BEDI topics and Black history. A few Gamma Phis have published books on these subjects, and we rounded them up for you on pages 28-31. I hope you love the story of some Alpha Delta (Missouri-Columbia) sisters who joined Gamma Phi Beta in the late 1950s and still connect 60+ years later. They prove that sisterhood is timeless. Read their story on page 14. It’s officially spring (a.k.a. spring cleaning time!). If your home needs a refresh, flip to page 26, where our editor provides helpful tips to clean and organize your pantry on a budget. You can find blush-colored bins to store food and other Gamma Phi Beta-inspired items for your home in Gamma Phi Vibes (page 18). Apart from home editing, spring 2021 brings hope for a return to some form of normalcy. The FMC is working to stay nimble during this time of uncertainty – I think we are all asking if schools will be open in the fall and if members can return to using their facilities as they have in the past. Here’s hoping they will. And here’s to a happy spring!
In IIKE,
WHO IS BARBIE? Barbie Chadwick is currently serving her first term on the Facilities Management Company (FMC) Board of Managers as the FMC Chairwoman. She has held several volunteer roles in the past, including Collegiate Vice President on International Council. A member of Alpha Theta Chapter at Vanderbilt University, Barbie earned a bachelor’s degree in English. She worked in the nonprofit field for more than 30 years before retiring from the Boys and Girls Clubs of Middle Tennessee in 2019.
F AV O R I T E C O L O R Purple R EC E N T R E A D YO U RECOMMEND “Greenlights” by Matthew McConaughey F AV O R I T E P A S T I M E ( S ) Gardening and reading
Barbie Chadwick Facilities Management Company Chairwoman
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25 YEARS OF GIRLS ON THE RUN On March 25, 2021, our philanthropic partner, Girls on the Run (GOTR), turned 25! For a quarter-century now, GOTR has promoted girl empowerment by teaching life skills through lessons and running and has inspired girls to know and activate their limitless potential while boldly pursue their dreams.
Jess Ekstrom, a 1997 GOTR participant and the founder and CEO of Headbands of Hope, a philanthropic brand that spreads confidence to children, emceed the birthday celebration. She was joined by other women making strides in their respective fields, including television news reporter Ciara Lucas; professional distance runner Vanessa Fraser; WNBA player Nneka Ogwumike; professor and researcher Dr. Maureen Weiss; and Ally Love, a woman of many trades known affectionally as “Boss of Business.” All women took part in a discussion panel, where they talked about building confidence in girls through sports. Elizbeth Kunz, CEO of GOTR International, also shared stories of impact with virtual attendees.
To commemorate the momentous occasion, GOTR hosted a virtual livestream event on March 25. More than 5,000 people attended the virtual event, which was jam-packed with inspirational stories of strength, perseverance and growth. Girls on the Run even had members of Lambda Chapter (University of Washington) and Zeta Sigma Chapter (South Carolina) help with some video compilation for the event. Some of these sisters reflected and shared the impact GOTR has on their lives:
Because 25 is a big deal, GOTR knew they had to get someone good (like really good) to be the event’s keynote speaker. That someone was broadcast journalist, television personality and author Hoda Kotb. Hoda’s keynote echoed the inspiration and strength that girls find through their participation in GOTR. By the end of it, attendees felt embolden in the notion that there is no limit to what girls and women can do.
“As someone who runs a lot, I’m so happy an organization like GOTR exists because I know how beneficial [running] is to me mentally and physically.” —Helena Dougherty (University of Washington) “When I heard about GOTR’s mission to empower girls to be confident in who they truly are, I knew there was nothing else I wanted to get involved in more.” —Lara O’Donoghue (University of Washington)
Gamma Phi Beta is beyond lucky to build strong girls in partnership with such an accomplished, passionate and empowered organization. Here’s to 25 years and counting of encouraging girls to unlock their limitless potential!
Hoda has penned seven books, two of which are New York Times bestsellers. The two books are collections of quotes, stories, words and memories that offer wisdom, courage and hope. Be sure to add them to your reading list! •
“I Really Needed This Today: Words to Live By”
•
“This Just Speaks to Me: Words to Live By Every Day”
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PAC E ,
Please!
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T H E
FOU R
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H E L P F U L R E M I N D E R S W H E N C R E AT I N G P E R S O N A L G O A L S B Y Hope Beach (Southern California) and Cathy Merritt (Southern California)
Hope Beach and Cathy Merritt met in September 2020 in the inaugural executive coaching and organizational consulting master’s program at New York University. While networking over Zoom, they quickly realized that they both attended the University of Southern California as undergraduates and joined Gamma Phi Beta at Beta Alpha Chapter. Hope and Cathy have embraced their Sorority’s Core Values of Love, Labor, Learning and Loyalty since graduating from USC and used them as guidance to create the four G’s below.
support you along this journey? What does the future look like when you get there? What will you learn? Having a specific, real-life goal will set in stone the outcome you are focusing on and allow you to create, plan and execute key actions toward your goal. GRIT Perseverance is a critical component to achieving your goals. It won’t always be easy, and it shouldn’t. But when we set lofty goals and shoot for the moon, we can learn more as we go. This is where your values will support your progress. When your goal feels unachievable, or you are stuck, revisit your values and reacquaint yourself with what made you passionate in the first place. This is the perfect place to check in with your community since they know your values and will hold you accountable for achieving your goals.
GAMMA PHI BETA-INSPIRED VALUES Any achievement begins with finding your inner passion and creating a pathway toward it. By being true to yourself and your values, the principles you live by, you will always have a guide bringing you consistent strength on your journey, especially when the going gets tough. Like the bright crescent moon shining at night, your True and Constant values will guide you. It’s important to share your values with your community so that they, too, can guide you and keep you accountable for achieving the next steps.
GROWTH Having pursued your goals, passions or dreams, you will arrive in a new place and time. What you achieve may not look exactly like what you outlined when you set your goal; however, upon reflection, you will have acted in a way that has shown your values to your community and the world. Having persevered, you have learned and grown, which in and of itself is a goal achieved.
GOAL SETTING When you are clear on your values, begin to identify what lights you up. Who in the world do you want to impact? By when? Who can
Goal Setting Resources • •
SMARTIE Goals Worksheet: ManagementCenter.org/Resources/Smartie-Goals-Worksheet Fidelity offers an online course titled Using Time Management to Reach Your Goals. To enroll in the course, visit GammaPhiBeta.org > Member > Fidelity > and type “Using Time Management to Reach Your Goals” in the search catalog box. 7
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PHOTO CREDIT JELAU PHOTOGRAPHY
Confident Women
Natasha Niemann
Naval officers move around a lot, which works in Natasha’s favor as someone who loves to travel. So far, she’s been stationed in Florida, Washington and Italy. She will move again in the fall. This time to Washington, D.C. Currently, Natasha resides in Monterey, California, and is earning her master’s degree in network operations and technology from the Naval Postgraduate School. When asked what will come next for her after her tenure in the Navy, she shares, “The Navy has been an incredible experience for me, and so far, I am having fun. When it’s no longer fun is when I will pursue something different, like maybe opening a fitness studio and/or coffee shop!”
GAMMA PHI (Auburn) NAVAL OFFICER
Natasha Niemann’s got spunk. This characteristic has always propelled her forward, to be fearless when trying new things. Her spunky nature is, in part, a product of her childhood. Natasha was born in Jakarta, Indonesia, to her Indonesian mother and American father. She made friends from all over the world, having attended an international school. The family moved to the United States after the terrorist bombings in Bali and 9/11. Bradenton, Florida, has been their home ever since.
In addition to her naval work, Natasha is a Gamma Phi Beta volunteer. She was the ritual advisor for Lambda Chapter (University of Washington) and is the chapter advisor for Epsilon Omicron (California-Santa Cruz), a position she interviewed for while deployed in the Middle East. “Lucky for me, the bad cell service was not a determining factor for getting the position,” Natasha laughs.
“The diverse and unique experience growing up has led me to be extremely independent and an avid traveler,” Natasha says. When college was on the horizon, Natasha knew she wanted to explore schools beyond the Florida border. She traveled 474 miles away to Auburn University, where she studied information systems management and naval science. Natasha, who participated in Auburn’s Naval ROTC program, longed for a community she could relate to since the ROTC program was hypermasculine. Gamma Phi Beta became that community for her.
As chapter advisor, Natasha gets to experience Epsilon Omicron members grow and achieve goals as individuals and a chapter. It’s been rewarding work, to say the least. “I love seeing sisters get into law school, become Panhellenic president, get internships and jobs, and ultimately watching the women grow together and cheer each other on.”
“I had friends in Gamma Phi Beta already, and I found out that the chapter president at the time actually went to my high school! To me, it was fate,” she says.
In addition to her spunk, Natasha is a community creator. No matter where she goes, building a supportive community has always been a priority of hers. She adds, “I love meeting new sisters and people. I truly believe that every single person is put into your life for a reason, no matter how small. So, if you ever see me, please say hi!”
Natasha’s interest in joining the military was first spurred in elementary school, as she recounts, “My sixth-grade computer teacher would tell my class stories about his time in the army, and I always thought it was cool.” Her eighth-grade history teacher was the first woman Natasha met who was in the military, which further catapulted her interest to join. For seven years now, Natasha has served in the U.S. Navy as an information professional officer. 9
PHOTO CREDIT KRISTEN LANG FINE ARTS
Heather Doran
or have similar backgrounds that they can also work in STEM-related fields. When girls and women see themselves in others, they, too, believe it is possible.”
GAMMA EPSILON (Puget Sound) MICROSOFT EXECUTIVE AND MOM
Heather is this example to her daughter, Scarlett. Not only does she teach Scarlett that there is no limit to what girls and women can do, Heather also educates her about their Choctaw roots, ensuring she has access to a native community through programs in the local school district.
Most 16-year-olds care more about hanging out with their friends and passing their driving test than figuring out who they want to be when they grow up. Boise-born, Las-Vegas-raised Heather Doran wasn’t like most teenagers. By 16, she was already working at one of the city’s most notable hotels, the MGM Grand. Heather maintained her job at the hotel on weekends and during breaks once she started college.
“As a parent, I bear the responsibility to continue teaching my daughter our traditions and exposing her to our culture,” Heather says. Outside of her full-time job and being a mom, Heather loves giving back to her community. She has volunteered with Gamma Phi Beta and the Junior League over the years. Currently, she is an assistant troop leader for her daughter’s Girl Scout troop and a member of her church’s staff-parish relations committee. She also loves listening to true crime podcasts, practicing calligraphy, playing the cello, watching or listening to anything with Oprah, dancing and spreading awareness about infertility.
“I would fly back home to help with special projects and slot and poker tournaments. [This experience] instilled in me a strong work ethic and an interest in events and marketing. It also allowed me to have strong professional female leaders and role models at a very young age,” she says. In college, Heather studied business administration. She also joined Gamma Phi Beta at Gamma Epsilon Chapter (Heather’s mother and grandmother are also Gamma Phis!). She was her chapter’s president during her junior year, which she recalls being “one of the best leadership experiences of my life.”
“Over the last three years, I have been on an infertility journey that has included IVF, five recurrent miscarriages and an ectopic pregnancy. I think it’s important for other women in similar circumstances to know they are not alone and find community for support. I am an open voice on my experience to bring solace and comfort to others on their journey. I recently recorded a podcast episode on my experience. The podcast is Resilience Found (Season 1, Episode 4), and it can be found on any podcast app.”
Heather would go on to have a successful career in events and marketing upon graduation. In 2012, she transitioned to the tech industry. Today, Heather is the chief of staff/director of business applications and global industry for Microsoft Corporation. Among other responsibilities, she runs both operations and strategy for Microsoft’s marketing team and mentors young colleagues in her role. Heather, a proud tribal member of the Choctaw Nation, is also part of the Microsoft Indigenous Employee Resource Group. The group offers resources, programs and community engagement opportunities for employees of Native American/Indigenous descent. “What is important to me is to be able to show other girls and women who might look like me 10
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PHOTO CREDIT KRISTEN NGUYEN CO.
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Sydney Smith
has held several leadership roles on OU’s Panhellenic executive council. She was the vice chair of judicial affairs her freshman year and the vice president of judicial affairs her sophomore year. This past November, Sydney was named OU’s first Black Panhellenic president. She will hold this position until December 2021.
PSI (Oklahoma) PANHELLENIC PRESIDENT
Smart, empathetic, genuine. That’s how Sydney Smith, a junior at the University of Oklahoma (OU) studying psychology and African American studies, would describe herself in a few words. After chatting with Sydney and learning more about the inclusive work she’s doing on OU’s campus, we wholeheartedly agree with her picks.
“I’m amazed and honored to be the first Black Panhellenic president.” Sydney continues, “To me, it means that we are progressing, and we are taking steps to do better.” Sydney is eager to continue to bolster the things Panhellenic does right and improve upon the areas where it falls short. During her term, she will implement affinity groups so that women of different identities can freely share their Panhellenic experiences in a safe space. She also wants to shed a positive light on Greek life by tackling the harmful party and drinking culture often associated with it. Ultimately, Sydney wants to further diversity, equity, belonging and inclusion efforts within Panhellenic to make it a welcoming place to all women.
Helping others, specifically those in marginalized communities, has always been Sydney’s #1 priority. She plans to become a licensed clinical social worker after graduating next May to help as many people as possible through the healing work of therapy. Until then, Sydney has kept busy with her academics and extra-curricular activities. She joined Gamma Phi Beta at Psi Chapter because, as she says, “I wanted to join a community of amazing women who would push me to be my best self. I have found this to be true with Gamma Phi.”
Helping others. That’s this Gamma Phi’s superhero strength, and all the communities she’s a part of are better today because of it. Her second strength is one she’s been cultivating since she was seven – baking! Sydney recently launched her online bakery, SYDS SWEETS (SydsSweets.org), where she offers almost-toopretty-to-eat cakes, cupcakes and cookies in Norman, Oklahoma.
She is also a peer educator for OU’s Gender and Equality Center, a Campus Activities Council’s High School Leadership Conference recruiter and an undergraduate research assistant. The impressive list of items on her resume don’t stop there. Since starting college, Sydney
Hey you, Yeah you! You’re a confident woman, and we’d like to hear from you. Send a brief bio and high-resolution headshot of yourself to TheCrescent@gammaphibeta.org for a chance to be featured.
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60+ Years of Sisterhood A N A L P H A D E LTA G R O U P P R O V E S T H AT SISTERHOOD IS TIMELESS
The sorority experience is unlike any other. It offers women leadership opportunities, a chance to make an impact on their campuses and within their communities, a home away from home and sisterhood. Many of our members, particularly collegians, often ask us how they can still experience sisterhood beyond college. To answer this, a group of Alpha Delta sisters shares how their sisterhood has only strengthened with time. And how their sorority experience continues to impact their lives sixty-some years later because of it.
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MEET ME AT MIZZOU It all began in the late 1950s at Alpha Delta Chapter at the University of Missouri-Columbia, more commonly known as Mizzou. Back then, all members were required to live in the chapter facility. They even had to switch rooms and roommates every eight weeks! Friendships quickly formed among all sisters, regardless of their grade level or year of Initiation, because of this. That is how Sharon Kountzman Bower, Barbara Mester Degnan, Nancy Willis Litzinger, Janet Nentwig Schoedinger, Carol Buchmueller Stelmach and Jane McConkey Vogt first met.
The Saint Louis Sisters (from left to right): Barbara Mester Degnan, Jane McConkey Vogt, Sharon Kountzman Bower, Janet Nentwig Schoedinger, Carol Buchmueller Stelmach and Nancy Willis Litzinger
Barbara and Carol joined Gamma Phi Beta at Alpha Delta Chapter in 1958. A year later, Nancy, Janet and Jane came into the fold. And last was Sharon in 1960. The women, along with several other Alpha Delta members, instantly clicked. They supported each other during the good days and bad, with a lot of laughter taking place in between. It was a no-brainer that this would continue beyond their time together in college.
and Florida. Living in the same state has certainly made staying connected over the years easy for the friend group.
THE ST. LOUIS SISTERS
With most of their children grown by the early ‘90s, the group had newfound time to explore places beyond their city’s hospitality scene. Some of the younger sisters traveled nearby to Elsah, Illinois, a quiet river town, to celebrate their 45th
They began their now-tradition of meeting monthly (when their schedules permitted) for lunch or dinner in the early 1980s. For most of the women, this decade was all about balancing work and family life. Their sisterly lunches and dinners served as a much-needed respite from that.
Sharon, Barbara, Nancy, Janet, Carol and Jane, all originally from St. Louis, call themselves “The St. Louis Sisters.” The group still resides in the city, except for Jane, who splits time between Missouri
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birthdays. The group’s first big travel outing was to Montana, where they all stayed at a sister’s vacation home. For their next major trip, the St. Louis Sisters traveled to Upstate New York to another sister’s ski lodge.
when we were at Mizzou.”
CONNECTION IS KEY Most of the women are now in their 80s. Before these COVID times, they began celebrating big birthdays together. For their 70th, they visited The Sunshine State (Florida). They stayed in a small town in Missouri for their 75th, where they hiked, went sightseeing and, of course, talked about everything under the sun. They hope to do something for their 80th celebration once the pandemic becomes a memory.
AN EXTENDED GROUP OF GALS The circle of sisterhood extends beyond Sharon, Barbara, Nancy, Janet, Carol and Jane. It also includes a larger group of Alpha Deltas who live in different states but were initiated in the late 1950s, too. This out-of-state group has joined the St. Louis Sisters on certain gatherings and trips over the years.
So, what is the secret sauce to maintaining sisterhood after college? Just be there for each other like these Alpha Deltas have. Sisterhood is a powerful and impenetrable force. It will only strengthen with continued connection and the passing of time.
Both groups have celebrated life’s most joyous moments together, like attending their children’s weddings. And in the hard times, like burying loved ones and going through chemotherapy, they were each other’s pillars of support. Life changes daily, but these dedicated sisters have been one another’s constant.
“I think there are bonds that are distinct from friendship, even though we are friends. It has to do with having been there together at a time in our lives when no one really thought much about a far-off future or aging. And yet we’ve been there, done that. And we’re still together. And it means more now than ever before,” Janet says.
“We trust the commonality of sisterhood; it’s been a sort of underlying support. We’ve had each other’s backs, and there is no judgment, only support and respect,” Carol explains. “And probably now we appreciate that in a way we never would have anticipated or thought about
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GA M M A
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Vibes
Your guide for finding the Gamma Phi Beta aesthetic in everyday places.
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Treat Yourself 1. Jungalow | Pink Fringe Pillow $99* 2. Target | Wave Storage Bin in Blush (available in a variety of sizes) $4-8 3. Amazon | House Day Velvet Hangers (available in navy and pink) $28 4. boma| Moon and Star Pull Through Hoops $28* 5. Urban Outfitters | Willow USB Desk Lamp in Pink $49 6. Target | Darien Pouf in Light Teal $60 7. Nett Designs | Be You Bravely Mug $17* *Shop Black-, Brown- and Indigenous-Owned Businesses! Products and prices were compiled in April 2021 and are subject to change.
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D is for Desk Stacey Corbin Ellis and her family build and deliver desks in their Charlotte community to low-income students
When the coronavirus pandemic first blanketed the entire world in March 2020, Stacey Corbin Ellis (George Mason), a self-proclaimed “professional volunteer,” struggled big time. No longer could she support organizations in her Charlotte, North Carolina, community, including the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Ronald McDonald House, out of safety for herself and others. “I [felt like I was] losing my sense of purpose,” she says.
to others, the entire family felt at a loss. Before this COVID-19 era, Kaitlyn was a coach for the Girls on the Run Greater Charlotte Council, and Brandon volunteered at a local nursing home with his church youth group. Stacey adds, “We really missed being able to do these things for the past year.” The family hunkered down like everyone else. Kaitlyn, a high school senior, and Brandon, a sophomore, hopped aboard the remote learning train. After helping her teens set up their respective study spaces at home for school, Stacey’s phone tinged. One of her Gamma
She wasn’t alone. Because Stacey and her husband Brian instilled in their kids, Kaitlyn (18) and Brandon (15), the importance of giving back 21
Phi sisters shared an online article on social media about a Maryland couple who builds and delivers desks to low-income students to support educational equality during the pandemic. The couple’s project is called Desks by Dad. A wideeyed and inspired Stacey took the news to her family. “I shared the article with them immediately, but I lived with the idea of forming a similar organization for a week or so beforehand. I told them about my idea and asked if they wanted to support it during a family meeting. They were very enthusiastic about helping others in their situation,” Stacey shares. On September 13, 2020, the Ellis family launched D is for Desk. They published a Facebook page for their project that quickly garnered the attention of Title I school administrators, teachers, social workers, parents and students. Just a few weeks after their project’s inception, the Ellis family received more than 75 desk requests. The need for desks was much greater than what the family of four could turn out. Their Charlotte community stepped in to help by way of building material donations and volunteering. The generosity wasn’t surprising to Stacey, who says, “Charlotte is a community where once you identify a need, neighbors step in to help. It’s something we love about living here.” With community support, the Ellis family has provided more than 143 desks to low-income students in and around Charlotte. Inexpensive desks (and desk chairs) are purchased with donated funds and assembled by Stacey’s son, Brandon. Handmade desks are typically constructed by volunteer builders who donate the materials they use, like Sean Wirt, a Kappa Alpha who attended George Mason University with Stacey. “Sean and I stayed in touch on social media after college since we both live in Charlotte now. He contacted me shortly after we published our Facebook page because he and his neighbors
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salvaged wood shelves from a Pier One store going out of business. They used the shelves to build us a whopping 29 desks!” Desks are personally delivered to students by volunteer drivers and Stacey’s two teenagers when their school schedules permit. Each desk arrives unfinished so that students can make it their own with paint, stickers, doodles, etc. “It’s fun to watch a student’s eyes light up as they imagine all the ways to make the desk truly theirs,” Stacey adds. And because D is for Desk is partnered with Classroom Central, a local store that equips Title I students and teachers with free school supplies, desks come with a baggy full of supplies.
MEET THE D IS FOR DESK TEAM
Stacey Ellis: Chief organizer of volunteers, builders and delivery drivers and communications manager (works with social workers to identify students in the most need). “After feeling helpless during the early days of the pandemic, it felt great to find a safe way to help
D is for Desk helped give Stacey and her family their sense of purpose back, to not only survive the pandemic but find a way to thrive in it. “[This family project] has given us a way to channel positivity during a tough year,” Stacey says. But with things of the pre-pandemic past becoming safe again, what does that mean for the family’s weekend project?
others. Helping others is always a great way to get out of your head.”
Brian Ellis: A banker by trade, Brian tracks donations and expenses as D is for Desk’s chief financial officer. “Starting a new volunteer effort from scratch can
“We would like to continue. There are a lot of students in our very large school system (140,000 students) who struggle. Having a safe, comfortable study space that they can take pride in sets a great foundation for them to do amazing things in school, whether that’s online or in person.”
be a bit intimidating. But Stacey had a vision for how this could come together, and it has worked out better than we could have imagined.”
Kaitlyn Ellis: Social media coordinator and delivery driver. “I’ve loved helping with this project. I am very
D is for Desk has raised $800 for building materials so far, which excludes the surplus of supplies Home Depot and Lowe’s have offered to donate to the Ellis family toward their efforts. As COVID-19 restrictions lift and case numbers decrease, Stacey, Brian, Kaitlyn and Brandon plan on hosting a community build day before taking up both stores’ generosity.
fortunate to have all the materials necessary for online learning but have seen that not everyone has a quiet, organized space to work. I believe we have made an impact in the Charlotte community through this project, and I love seeing how everything has come together to support our students.”
“There’s only so much space in my garage,” Stacey laughs.
Brandon Ellis: Head desk assembler and delivery driver.
If you would like to donate, find D is for Desk on Venmo @DisforDesk.
“D is for Desk has been a creative way for us to give back to the community during this difficult time of remote learning. It’s been a lot of fun to be able to do this as a family.”
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Living
WELL
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Step 1: Remove everything. Lay all the food
out and toss whatever is expired. Give each shelf a good wipe down with your cleaner of choice.
A Pantry
Step 2: Plan where items will go by category.
Make sure everything has a designated spot (e.g., top shelf: sweets; middle shelves: rice, beans, pasta, canned foods; bottom shelves: surplus items).
Refresh
Pro tip: Parents, store healthy snacks
B Y Elizabeth Liberatore
where your children can easily reach them and sweets higher up to monitor their sugar intake.
Like so many others, I’ve been working remotely since last March. Initially, I did okay with all the newfound time spent indoors. But then the weeks turned into months, and it felt like my apartment walls were closing in on me. I decided to cope with my cabin fever in the best and worst way possible: buying all the things online. Although my living room has never looked better (thanks, Wayfair), and my family grew to include the cutest Goldendoodle puppy there ever was, I needed better coping strategies. Instead of spending (as much), I organize now. If you have taken to home editing, too, the names Marie Kondo, Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin are probably familiar to you. Let me start by saying I am nowhere near their level of organization. I am a rookie in the organizational game, hoping these beginner tips help keep your mind busy during the rest of this pandemic. Without further ado, here is how to refresh your pantry on a budget.
Step 3: Start containing! Clear, airtight
containers and canisters make finding items a breeze. If you are sticking to a specific color story, Target, IKEA and The Container Store all have cute, colorful and affordable bins and baskets. Pro tip 1: Store smaller items, like herbs
and spices, on a Lazy Susan. This saves you much-needed pantry space and time — no longer will you have to pull every single spice out to find the one you need. Pro tip 2: Allergy, ingredient or nutrition
conscious? Simply cut out the ingredient/ nutrition label on the box and tape it to the back of the container or canister. Pro tip 3: Place miscellaneous items in
a shoe rack hung from the pantry door or wall. Step 4: If you’re extra like me, label
everything. A label maker does the job nicely, but I prefer the look of mini chalkboards (so rustic!). And since I change out the contents of the bins often, it’s easier for me to erase and rewrite labels than reprinting them. Glass markers are also great if you are using glass containers.
Need more inspiration?
Check out these home organization blogs: • ABeautifulMess.com/Elsies-Pink-PantryReveal • OurHappyHive.com/Organize-Your-Pantry
Step 5 (the most important step):
Stand back and admire your work.
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Read Up! These books by Gamma Phis touch on critical topics
They can transport us elsewhere entirely, teach us something new, broaden our perspectives, allow us to experience the world from someone else’s point of view. If books have the power to do all of this, it’s no wonder so many people get lost in their pages. Lately, we’ve been captivated by messages penned by Gamma Phi authors.
Meet them and learn more about their published works for various audiences that touch on critical topics of Black history, belonging, equity, diversity and inclusion. We hope you, too, are taken by what these members have to say.
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The Author
Book: “The Fight for Black Rights” series. Premise: “The Fight for Black Rights” is a
Amanda Jackson Green has been a writer
collection of six nonfiction books for students in grades three through six (ages eight-12). Each book unpacks a specific cultural topic to help young learners understand the historical struggles of Black Americans and give them a broader context for examining current events.
for as long as she can remember. Not only did she write books and poetry collections growing up, but she bound her work together with cardboard and rubber cement. Her path was clear before she reached the fourth
Inspiration: Shortly after the murder of
grade. Amanda pursued her passion for the
George Floyd and the rise in social justice protests across the United States last summer, author Amanda Jackson Green (Texas-San Antonio) was presented with an opportunity to write three books within “The Fight for Black Rights” series. Feeling frustrated with how American history continues to repeat itself, Amanda knew she had to channel that frustration into something positive. “I hope that if we can expose children to these stories from an earlier age and better integrate the Black perspective in our social studies and history classes, we can develop more empathy and understanding for Black experiences.”
written word at the University of Texas-San
Price: Paperback, $9.99; hardcover, $24.99
recipes.
Antonio, where she studied English with a concentration in professional writing. Residing in Houston, Amanda is the director of communications for a private and independent law school. She is also a freelance writer and communications consultant. When she isn’t writing or reading — her goal is to read three books each month this year — Amanda loves to jam out to music in her kitchen while experimenting with new
Where to purchase: Amazon, Target,
Walmart, Barnes and Noble and Lerner Books
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Book: “It’s GREAT to be LOVED!” Premise: “It’s GREAT to be Loved!” is the second
book in a series called It’s Great to Be — “It’s GREAT to be You!” is the first book; the third is still in the brainstorming stage. Catered to children ages four-six, “It’s GREAT to be LOVED!” reminds young readers (and adults) that everyone deserves love, respect and kindness, regardless of how many questions they ask, or if they are feeling sad. With characters of different backgrounds, interests and abilities, every child who reads this book will see themselves represented on its pages.
The Author Courtney Gonzalez’s passion for inclusive health education guided her studies at George Mason University. She earned a bachelor’s degree in community health and
Inspiration: In 2016, Courtney Gonzalez
concentrated in health education in 2016.
(George Mason) and Diana Karczmarczyk noticed their younger loved ones consuming harmful messaging online and through social media. Worried that this messaging could negatively impact their mental health and overall development, the two friends decided to do something about it. “As mental health professionals, we thought a great way to address some of this messaging was through children’s book,” Courtney adds.
Having joined Gamma Phi Beta at Epsilon Pi Chapter, Courtney says, “Gamma Phi Beta helped me gain the confidence to take on new challenges and make a positive impact within my greater community.” She took on the challenge of graduate school and last year earned a master’s degree in public health. Courtney is also a certified health education
Price: Paperback, $10.99; hardcover, $23.99
specialist. She is a full-time clinical technician for a leading healthcare provider in Northern
Where to purchase: Amazon and for
Virginia. Courtney also co-founded Weske
personalized copies, visit Weske and Company on Etsy.
and Company, a public health organization that develops and delivers health education tools, products and services to design healthy communities, homes, schools and workplaces. In her free time, she loves reading, crafting and walking her fur baby, Oliver.
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Book: “Reframing Campus Conflict: Student
Conduct Practice Through the Lens of Inclusive Excellence” Premise: This second edition book discusses
the importance of thoughtful and educational responses to student conflict to facilitate improved diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging on college and university campuses. A textbook and campus training guide in one, “Reframing Campus Conflict” teaches readers, namely educators, to use student conflict and conduct as vehicles for learning and transformation. The fully revised second edition includes new case studies, summaries, discussion questions and chapters that touch on topics like the coronavirus pandemic response. Suitable for all educators, administrators, practitioners and leaders committed to engaging campus conflict work through inclusive lenses, “Reframing Campus Conflict” encourages deep reflection of all who read it.
The Author Heart work is hard work. And this kind of work has called to Jennifer Meyer Schrage, as she says, “I’ve always been passionate about justice and specifically about interrupting discrimination.” As the interim associate vice president and senior advisor to the vice president for student life at the University of Michigan (UM), Jennifer lives out her calling daily by engaging, evolving and developing policies and approaches that contribute to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion
Inspiration: The first edition of this book
on UM’s campus. “I love knowing my work
gives voice to diverse and inclusive perspectives, identities and practices. It also stresses the importance of student conduct practice being based upon tenets of social and restorative justice. Jennifer Meyer Schrage (Northern Arizona) and her colleagues wanted to build upon this vision with a second edition. Additionally, with the ongoing national conversations around civility, hate crimes, immigration, nationalism and free speech, they saw an opportunity to connect the second edition on such matters and how they impact the current campus climate.
makes a difference in the individual lives of students,” she says. Jennifer studied journalism and political science at Northern Arizona University, where she joined Gamma Phi Beta at Beta Omega Chapter. She went on to earn her Juris Doctorate from the University of Arizona. Jennifer plans to write more books that help educators graduate more global and inclusive citizens. Until then, you can find her hiking, book clubbing with
Price: Paperback, $39.95
friends or working out on her beloved Peloton.
Where to purchase: Amazon and Stylus
Publishing
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Then and Now The story of sisterhood between Shawna Reed and Eliza Johnson is quite incredible. Shawna joined Beta Omega Chapter (Northern Arizona) of Gamma Phi Beta in 1989. Fifteen years later, in 2004, Eliza followed suit. Their paths crossed as alumnae when the two were chapter advisors in Region 7. Shawna and Eliza became quick friends, and Eliza, who knew about Shawna and her husband’s struggle to conceive children, later offered to be the couple’s surrogate. “I did not expect when I was 18 and received my bid that 25 years later a Gamma Phi Beta connection would grant me the most precious gift, my twins,” Shawna says. These two incredible sisters sat down with us to recount their college and sorority experiences.
S H AW N A R E E D
Eliza ELIZA JOHNSON
Spiral perms with BIG bangs. My sisters loved wearing our double-stitched patterned letters with Guess jeans and a denim jacket with a popped collar. It was the late ‘80s!
HOT TEST TREND ON CAMPUS?
It varied between alternative music (Depeche Mode, Berlin) and country music (Shania Twain, Garth Brooks). And, of course, Madonna was huge!
W H AT W E R E STUDENTS LISTENING TO?
Parachute pants, acid wash jeans, leg warmers, fanny packs, neon.
Shawna
BIGGEST FA S H I O N FA U X PA S ?
Hands down recruitment. That’s when we had frills recruitment, so we created songs and choreographed dances and skits to demonstrate our sisterhood.
FONDEST GAMMA P H I B E TA M E M O R Y ?
“Overboard” on VHS.
P O PU L AR M OVI ES?
Ugg boots paired with shorts, skirts or lowrise jeans.
Usher’s “Yeah!” was #1 on the music charts.
Wearing two polo shirts at the same time.
Initiation.
“50 First Dates.”
Do you know two sisters who initiated at the same chapter, just with 10+ years between them? Email TheCrescent@gammaphibeta.org for a chance to see them featured on this page in the future! 32
Nominate and Celebrate a Deserving Member Today!
Planning for Convention 2022 is well underway, and we could use your help! Gamma Phi Beta is currently accepting nominations for the Carnation and Honor Roll Awards, two prestigious awards presented at every Convention. See below for details and important deadlines!
THE CARNATION AWARD
THE HONOR ROLL AWARD
The Carnation Award recognizes members whose outstanding achievements in fields outside the Sorority have brought them regional or national honor or great distinction, which reflects well on Gamma Phi Beta. At Virtual Convention 2020, five members were recognized with the Carnation Award, including the following:
Outlined in our Bylaws, the Honor Roll Award is given to members who have created and developed a service for the Sorority that has contributed notably over a period of years toward the fulfillment of the aims of the organization and have given distinguished service at the highest international level over a period of years.
Janice Clare Wainwright Filmon (Manitoba) was installed as Manitoba’s 25th Lieutenant Governor in 2015 and has been honored with Order of Manitoba and Order of Canada for her exceptional contributions to her community.
Last year, Linda Daniel Johnson (Vanderbilt) was the Sorority’s 50th recipient. Linda has held a range of volunteer positions within Gamma Phi Beta, including International President. She was instrumental in moving the Sorority from a province to the regional team structure we know today.
Mindy Hersh Weiss (San Diego State) is a worldrenowned event planner and seasoned lifestyle expert who has created unforgettable moments for clients like Ciara and Russell Wilson, Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de rossi and Sofia Vergara and Joe Manganiello.
Help us celebrate Gamma Phi Betas who give back to the Sorority and make a difference in our sisterhood by nominating a member for the Honor Roll before the June 18th deadline. You can find the nomination form at GammaPhiBeta.org/HonorRoll.
Know a sister who has made and impact in the world around us? Nominate her for the Carnation Award at GammaPhiBeta.org/CarnationAward by June 18, 2021.
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life loyal Life Loyal is a special program available for all Gamma Phi Beta members to continue their lifelong support of our beloved Sorority beyond their collegiate years while receiving exclusive benefits. This is just one way to continue your lifetime involvement as a member of Gamma Phi Beta while fulfilling your financial obligations with an easy, one-time payment. The dedication of our alumnae members who continue to be involved and financially supportive helps ensure the future of our traditions and sisterhood.
Thank you to the following sisters who joined Life Loyal between November 1, 2020, through January 31, 2021.
ALPHA (Syracuse) Barbara Hart Hollister
NU (Oregon) Gretchen Thompson
ALPHA BETA (North Dakota) Deborah Fowler Swanson
BETA EPSILON (Miami-Ohio) Karen Berger Marvin
BETA (Michigan) Kelly Carney Armstrong Margaret Dougherty Gail Wiedemann Lamotte
XI (Idaho) Diane Frisch Melissa Obermeyer Renfrow
ALPHA EPSILON (Arizona) Susan Yeates O’Farrell
BETA ETA (Bradley) Patricia Eschbacher Bush Scarlet Decker
DELTA (Boston) Alice Hu EPSILON (Northwestern) Kathleen Glicker Kathryn Scudder ETA (California-Berkeley) Ana Pesic Sydney Wright THETA (Denver) Kristen Rider Beatty Rebecca Brasch Bodner Chloe Koon Chandra Markham Martin Carol Thomas IOTA (Columbia) Tess Cersonsky Paige Moskowitz LAMBDA (University of Washington) Chris Steig Richards Marjorie Holeton Weaver
ALPHA IOTA (California-Los Angeles) Susan Ashkar Blackwell Kathleen Cumbey Eldred Suzanne Roberts Alice Tsai
PI (Nebraska-Lincoln) Shelby Kruse Hailey Nielsen SIGMA (Kansas) Dana Rulon Frye
ALPHA XI (Southern Methodist) Sheila Elliott Baker Luanne Cullen Patricia Pickett Ewert Natalie Gullo Chellie Terry Powell Claire Howard Upham
TAU (Colorado State) Natalie Brousse Lindsay Cocotis Melissa Meis Haugen PHI (Washington University) Margot Osborne Janet Eickmann Thomas
ALPHA PHI (Colorado College) Rebecca Sisk Foerschler
PSI (Oklahoma) Rachel Hallum Madalynne Melot Tritz Sally Neal Ward
ALPHA CHI (William & Mary) Martha Dickens Margaret Bounds Evans Judith Fontana Minkoff
OMEGA (Iowa State) Lynne Fenton Flater Janet Miller Pollastrini Cynthia Shirley Schultz Hannah Taylor
BETA ALPHA (Southern California) Monica Boss Francesca Paszkeicz Madeleine Williams BETA DELTA (Michigan State) Jennifer Zudor
ALPHA ALPHA (Toronto) Hayley O’Hara
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BETA LAMBDA (San Diego State) Karen Wetterborg D’Agostino BETA MU (Florida State) Stephanie Fennell Larmoyeux Lindsey Leadbetter Rosemary Rosas Linda Price Zwirz BETA NU (Vermont) Barbara Lewis Powell BETA XI (Ohio State) Amanda Brehm Lexi Howard BETA PI (Indiana State) Stephanie Duncan Evelo BETA RHO (Colorado-Boulder) Avery Bell Christina Hill Dishun Julie Moriarty McCarty BETA SIGMA (Washington State) Sandra Dyke Ellersick Octavia Doneen Lohman
GAMMA PI (Minnesota State-Mankato) Cally Gabbert Endres GAMMA RHO (Wisconsin-Oshkosh) Frances Nelson Johnson GAMMA TAU (St. Louis) Brynn Feeley Carol Wisch Williams GAMMA PHI (Auburn) Janet Mahaffey Cole Jourdan Davis Robertson GAMMA CHI (Texas State-San Marcos) Patricia Miller Jistel DELTA ETA (California-Irvine) Caroline Logothetis Glennon Kimberly Idio Tracy Thatcher Kuntz Kathleen Harmon Sizemore
BETA TAU (Texas Tech) Stacey Niemi McGraw BETA UPSILON (Kansas State) Kristen Buchanan Fernandes Carmel Miles Solomon McKenzie Veselic BETA PHI (Indiana) Carey Chaney Kaspari BETA PSI (Oklahoma State) Catherine Bolton McCullough Melissa Lee Richier BETA OMEGA (Northern Arizona) Trudy Peart Beck Burrus GAMMA ETA (California State-Long Beach) Nichole Walker Atanacio Janet Perry McGlone Judith Nesbitt McMahon GAMMA THETA (University of the Pacific) Joan Nielsen Abbott Melanie Trafford Barclay GAMMA MU (Moorhead State-Moorhead) Natasha John
EPSILON KAPPA (California State-Chico) Jacquelynn Macy Dess Tammy Vicini Esteve
ZETA XI (College of Idaho) Kathryn Crookham ZETA SIGMA (South Carolina) Sarah Scott
EPSILON LAMBDA (Alabama) Amy Kimbrell Fratkin Malinda Brown Moore Alexa Thompson EPSILON MU (Loyola-New Orleans) Colleen McGrew Mendez
ZETA CHI (Texas Christian) Sarah Tajvar Schimpff ZETA OMEGA (Kennesaw State) Sydney Damiani ETA EPSILON (Virginia Tech) Kirsten Kohl Elaine Lewis
EPSILON NU (Chapman) Megan Synn EPSILON OMICRON (California-Santa Cruz) Chaitra Mohanan Heather Anderson O’Dell
ETA NU (James Madison) Macy Martin Sydney Trotto
EPSILON PI (George Mason) Juliana Grasser Simmons
ETA XI (Florida) Kathleen Colitz ETA RHO (Nevada-Las Vegas) Alexandra Elkins
DELTA IOTA (Purdue) Carlana Clymer Megan Reuscher
EPSILON PSI (North Carolina-Asheville) Juliana Grassia
DELTA MU (Rutgers) Jordyn Baker Adelson
ZETA BETA (Virginia) Elizabeth Fadl
DELTA NU (Missouri State) Frances Haller Paige Murphy
ZETA IOTA (Valparaiso) Chandra Mathew Adams Briana Scheffer
DELTA OMICRON (Southern Polytechnic State) Linda Jaskowski Holmes
ZETA KAPPA (Southern Indiana) Chelsea Lee Cassidy
ETA TAU (Colorado Mesa) Avery Ashby ETA UPSILON (Nicholls State) Catherine Reso ETA CHI (California State-San Marcos) Jennifer Aguirre Vazquez
DELTA PI (Illinois State) Melissa Mounce Mithal DELTA SIGMA (Florida Institute of Technology) Jessica Herboth
S I S T E R
Shoutout
DELTA PHI (California State-Bakersfield) Jessica Ayler-Kelly Jennifer Webb
AVERY ASHBY Eta Tau (Colorado Mesa)
DELTA PSI (California-Santa Barbara) Jenni Aye Tiffany Arroyo-Tabin Lynch
Avery Ashby joined Gamma Phi Beta at Eta Tau Chapter (Colorado Mesa) in 2017. That was just one year after the installation of Eta Tau in 2016. Since then, Avery has experienced the new chapter grow to become something special. “I was a part of the second new member class to go through formal recruitment at Eta Tau, and to see how much we have blossomed, developed and grown is what I love most about my chapter.” Avery, who received Life Loyal as a graduation gift, earned a bachelor’s degree in social work in May. She wants to pursue a career in child welfare; specifically, she wants to become a school social worker. Avery is eager to start the next chapter of her life, knowing that her sisters will always be there to support her.
EPSILON BETA (Alma) Lea Ziolkowski EPSILON DELTA (Creighton) Michele Trumler Gleason Rachel Nancy Steen EPSILON ETA (Bridgewater State) Kimberley Cook Erin Ryan EPSILON IOTA (Christopher Newport) Emily Boehm
GAMMA OMICRON (Kentucky) Diana Moore Pulliam
If you’re interested in sponsoring a senior, please visit GammaPhiBeta.org/SponsorASenior to learn more.
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Remembering Susan Schlessman Duncan
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The Gamma Phi Beta Foundation received one of its largest donations to date – a $1 million planned gift from Susan “Sue” Schlessman Duncan, who passed away on June 1, 2019. The Sue Schlessman Duncan Scholarship Endowment was created, which will provide financial aid to an undergraduate member in good standing of any Gamma Phi Beta chapter in Colorado. Let’s remember Sue’s incredible life and legacy. Kind. Witty. Generous. Humble. Encouraging. Supportive. Selfless. Sue fully embodied these traits and many more in her daily life. A Colorado native, Sue attended Colorado College and joined Gamma Phi Beta at Alpha Phi Chapter in 1949. After 35 years, she retired as the director of the Greeley Gas Company. She and her husband Jim raised a combined family of six children, seven grandchildren and 13 greatgrandchildren.
Foundation all exist today because of Sue. While working full-time and raising a family, Sue also served her community on many boards and as a trustee for many foundations. Giving back in this capacity was a cornerstone in Sue’s childhood home. Her parents Florence and Gerald Schlessman established the Schlessman Family Foundation in the late 1940s to assist Denver-based nonprofits that provide programs and support to vulnerable residents. The foundation has contributed more than $100 million to over 1,000 charities, including the YMCA of Metro Denver (a nonprofit dear to Sue’s heart) and the Denver Zoo. Sue and her brother were board members of their family’s foundation until they both passed away in 2019.
“Sue’s generous spirit has ensured her legacy will be felt long into the future.”
Her outstanding charitable efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. At Convention 2000 in Houston, Texas, Sue was honored with the Philanthropist of the Year Award. In 1983, she was inducted into the YMCA Hall of Fame, and in 2006, the YMCA location in Arvada, Colorado, was renamed to the Susan M. Duncan Family YMCA.
Her long, devoted and distinguished service to Gamma Phi Beta began when she served her chapter as president in the early ‘50s. Following college, Sue held several volunteer positions, Thomas V. Wolfe, the president and including Colorado Camp Board CEO of the Iliff School of Theology, Chair and Foundation Honorary —YMCA Metro Denver Jim Hiner, the president and CEO Trustee. She would regularly of YMCA of Metro Denver, family, assist with special events, like friends and many Gamma Phis all Founders Day and Denver Alumnae Chapter’s attended Sue’s memorial service due to the impact 100th-anniversary celebration, and she was a driving she had on their lives. force behind International Headquarters’ move to Centennial, Colorado. Sue donated more than $2.2 “Sue’s generous spirit has ensured her legacy will be million to the Gamma Phi Beta Foundation in her felt long into the future.” —YMCA Metro Denver lifetime. Her charitable giving didn’t stop there. She extended her support to the Iliff School of Theology and her alma mater, Colorado College. The Santiago Foundation, the Kingdom Enlightenment Scholarship Foundation and the Duncan Frederick Family
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Products and prices were compiled in May 2021 and are subject to change.
Are you feeling uninspired by your space? We are. Fortunately, the Facilities Management Company (FMC) is here to help! After scouring the Internet for Gamma Phi Beta-esque home items, the FMC has compiled the best of them here. Whether you opt for the dreamy velvet chair or some empowering wall art, your space of comfort will, hopefully, get your creative gears turning again.
Angeliina Power Loom Pale Pink and Blue Rug Wayfair, $22.99-$119.99
Novogratz White Marble Computer Desk with Storage The Home Depot, $106.92
Aurora Task Chair in Rose Wayfair, $186.99
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Girl Power Framed Wall Art Target, $49.99
August Grove Drawer Nightstand in Antique Navy Wayfair, $119.99
Pro tip: A quick and affordable way to update furniture is by replacing the hardware. Check out this White Marble Half Moon Knob for $8.95 from CB2. So cute!
Just As You Are Girl Framed Canvas Target, $10
Neon Moon Light Amazon, $12.99
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HEA RTS We acknowledge the passing of the following members and celebrate their part in our circle of sisterhood. This list reflects notifications received at International Headquarters between November 1, 2020, and January 31, 2021. First, maiden, last names and year of Initiation are listed for each deceased member. Honor a sister with an In Memory Gift. To make an In Memory Gift, visit GammaPhiBeta.org/Donate or call 303.800.2890. View Memorial gifts online at GammaPhiBeta.org/InMemory.
40 40
BETA (Michigan) Betty Houk Miller, 1944 GAMMA (Wisconsin-Madison) Elsa Reid Ambrose, 1945 Mary Stagg Kresge, 1942 DELTA (Boston) Nona Armstrong Minami, 1944 Frances Patsourakos, 1949 EPSILON (Northwestern) Cloris Leachman, 1945 Doris Redmond Reiter, 1949 ETA (California-Berkeley) Nancy Brown Mathews, 1945 Patricia Parker Robinson, 1943 Carol Sanford West, 1949 THETA (Denver) Betty Rasmussen Frisk, 1936 Dorothy Kindig Massey, 1945 Dorothy Roy Ulery, 1945
SIGMA (Kansas) Lola Branit Atha, 1946 Norma Falconer Keck, 1940 Patricia Elliott Meyer, 1951
ALPHA OMICRON (North Dakota State) Mary Paris Lafrenz, 1957 Margaret Smith Woodward, 1948
TAU (Colorado State) Dona Coleman Gates, 1948 Loretta Easley Mullin, 1945 Miriam Haynes Robertson, 1918
ALPHA CHI (William & Mary) Lois Walker Marlatt, 1944
PHI (Washington University) Ruth Wehmeyer Forsman, 1937 Betty Ittel Marting, 1949 Wilma Hammersmeier Olive, 1945
ALPHA PSI (Lake Forest) Marron Herbst Snead, 1955 ALPHA OMEGA (Western Ontario) Margaret Johnstone Demink, 1951
BETA GAMMA (Bowling Green) Pauline Miller Albaugh, 1948
DELTA TAU (Colgate) Ariel Goldberg O’Brien, 1998
BETA ETA (Bradley) Cornelia Welch Gillespie, 1954 Marcy Goodman Lane, 1972
DELTA UPSILON (Georgia) Leslie Lightfoot, 1983
ALPHA GAMMA (Nevada) Wuanita Combs, 1956
BETA LAMBDA (San Diego State) Mary McEver Gorman, 1952
ALPHA ZETA (Texas-Austin) Marion Wier DeFord, 1945
BETA NU (Vermont) Adrianne Elliott Cowles, 1952
XI (Idaho) Judy Bracken Scholes, 1958
ALPHA ETA (Ohio Wesleyan) Alice Walker Calvin, 1944
OMICRON (Illinois at Urbana-Champaign) Lois Bolle Van Leeuwen, 1945
ALPHA MU (Rollins) Martha Rankin Meade, 1944
BETA OMICRON (Oklahoma City) Rita Whitaker Lee, 1956
PI (Nebraska-Lincoln) Nancy O’Donnell Butcher, 1964 Mary Shurtleff Danley, 1945 Virginia Hann Herbison, 1945 RHO (Iowa) Mary Mortensen Halbach, 1950 Linda Booth Larsen, 1962
DELTA EPSILON (Texas Wesleyan) Mary Winter Foust, 1973
ALPHA BETA (North Dakota) Dolores Delzer Sherman, 1945 Marilyn Brundin Wickham, 1945
ALPHA EPSILON (Arizona) Gail LaBeau Ewing, 1952 Alice Allington Udall, 1952
NU (Oregon) Lynda Trombetta Angell, 1960 Jocelyn Fancher Gay, 1944 D. Anderson Linkenhoker, 1959 Nancy Buell Renton, 1946
GAMMA XI (Tennessee-Knoxville) Dianna Cureton Crawford, 1965 Mary Maney, 1970
BETA ALPHA (Southern California) Mariedora Thompson Moore, 1941 Nicolette Schwartz, 1980
BETA THETA (San Jose State) Marlene Brandin Tilley, 1956
LAMBDA (University of Washington) Lois Lydgate Coleman, 1947 Elizabeth Osborne Pinkerton, 1946
GAMMA KAPPA (Nebraska-Kearney) Sally Zikmund Nelson, 1968
OMEGA (Iowa State) Helen Bruns Hebbeln, 1945 Dorothy Vaughan Park, 1939 Susan Lagrange Peterson, 1953
ALPHA DELTA (Missouri-Columbia) Shirley Lishen Bachman, 1944 Mildred Jackson Busking, 1946 Sybil Harrison Davison, 1948 Judith Null Gunn, 1965 Dorothy Young Hemenway, 1948 Sharlyn Spragg Sappington, 1947 Valerie Blaes Sullivan, 1949
KAPPA (Minnesota-Twin Cities) Dorothy Bremicker Hendricks, 1946 Roberta Velin Moe, 1958
GAMMA IOTA (Midwestern State) Jamie Ehlert Minniear, 1968
ALPHA NU (Wittenberg) Glenna Steele Bache, 1944 Barbara Heidy Dressel-Diehl, 1954 ALPHA XI (Southern Methodist) Virginia Maurer, 1982 Melinda Cowger Narvaez, 1989 Dorede Prichard Speaker, 1955 Katherine Young, 1970
DELTA PI (Illinois State) Pamela Hill Hallissey, 1988
ETA GAMMA (Delaware) Samantha Racz, 2019
BETA IOTA (Idaho State) Nannette Burkhart Siemen, 1957 BETA KAPPA (Arizona State) Jackie Atkerson Drinkwater, 1956 Sue McCreary Stockton, 1956
BETA RHO (Colorado-Boulder) Sondra Wells Mourning, 1955 GAMMA ALPHA (Memphis) Mary McCalman Burchum, 1958 GAMMA ZETA (Texas A&M-Commerce) Mary Hodges Vance, 1987 Rebecca Northcutt Vanderpoel, 1973
Don’t forget to visit GammaPhiBeta.org/Foundation each month to view updated Memorial Gifts and In Celebration pages! 41
At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of summer, we remember them.
ALPHA (Syracuse) Tanny Keith Ladue, 1963 Jacqueline Reck Sampsell, 1946
PHOTO COURTESY OF BETTMANN GETTY IMAGES
A S TA R , O U R S I S T E R
Cloris Leachman B Y Britta Miller (Maryland)
As one of Gamma Phi Beta’s most notable alumnae, Cloris Leachman left a lasting impact not only on her sisters but on the world. She joined Epsilon Chapter in 1945 at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, where she studied drama. In college, she participated in a Miss America pageant and won Miss Chicago in 1946. Cloris passed away on January 27, 2021, at the age of 94. Some sisters share their memories of her kindness. Ann Mullen Bronsing (Indiana State), who served as International President from 1982-86, recalls seeing Cloris star in a play in St. Louis during the summer of 1982. Ann explained to one of the ushers that she was a sorority sister of Cloris’. The news traveled back to Cloris, who invited Ann and her husband to stop by her dressing room after the show. The two sisters chatted about Gamma Phi Beta, and Cloris shared memories with Ann about her time as a collegian. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE
Cloris’ career mainly focused on television, where her most prominent role was Phyllis Lindstrom in “The Mary Tyler Moore Show.” Her character got a spinoff series called “Phyllis,” in which Cloris won a Golden Globe. She also won a record-setting eight Primetime Emmys and one Daytime Emmy. In 2011, Cloris was inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame. Vice President Judy E. Graham initiated Gamma Phi Beta at the University of Oklahoma in 1974. She explains how “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” holds fond memories for the women of her generation.
42 PHOTO COURTESY OF EVERETT COLLECTION
“The lead character, Mary, was a single career woman. Few TV shows were depicting an independent career woman, and [women back then] longed for such a role model. My sisters and I often gathered around the TV together in our chapter facility to feed our dreams of being like Mary,” Judy explains. Although Cloris played Phyllis, the selfabsorbed neighbor of Mary, audiences fell in love with her worldwide. And for Gamma Phis watching, having a sister on a popular TV came with bragging rights. “Cloris Leachman was a Gamma Phi Beta!” Judy continues, “What could be more thrilling to us than having a sorority sister on our favorite show?” Later in Cloris’ career, she worked with actor Adam Sandler in two movies, “Spanglish” and “The Longest Yard.” In 2008, an 82-year-old Cloris competed on season seven of “Dancing with the Stars.” More recently, she was the voice of Gran in the animated film “The Croods: New Age.” Not only was Cloris a beloved actress, but also an activist. She used her platform for good (namely to advocate for animal rights), and in her mid-thirties, she became a vegetarian. Over the years, she backed many PETA causes. In 2017, her continued support of animal rights earned her PETA’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Dedicated to following her dreams and using her platform to do good, Cloris was, indeed, a confident woman of character we were privileged to have part of our sisterhood.
S P R I N G 2021 Volume 123, No. 2
International Headquarters 12737 E. Euclid Drive, Centennial, CO 80111 P 303.799.1874 F 303.799.1876 GammaPhiBeta.org TheCrescent@gammaphibeta.org
The Crescent Staff EDITOR Elizabeth Liberatore eliberatore@gammaphibeta.org CREATIVE MANAGER Maddy Chapman (Minnesota-Twin Cities) mchapman@gammaphibeta.org CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER Tara Foristal tforistal@gammaphibeta.org
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Hope Beach (Southern California) Cathy Merritt (Southern California) Britta Miller (Maryland) CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Jelau Photography Kristen Nguyen Co.
Parents
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©2021 Gamma Phi Beta Sorority The Crescent of Gamma Phi Beta (USPS 137620) is published quarterly by Gamma Phi Beta Sorority, 12737 E. Euclid Drive, Centennial, CO 80111. Periodicals postage paid at Englewood, CO, and at additional mailing offices. Produced in the U.S.A. Postmaster: Send address changes to The Crescent, Gamma Phi Beta Sorority, 12737 E. Euclid Drive, Centennial, CO 80111. Corrections and Clarifications There were two errors on page 16 in the winter 2021 issue. Please see the corections below. •
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Megan Wick (Washington State) mwick@gammaphibeta.org
Kelly Witt Epsilon Gamma (San Diego) State of California Fire Captain Kelly joined Gamma Phi Beta as an alumna initiate at Convention 2004 in Chicago.
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A. I.
B. J. A. Barre Necklace, #BARRE
C.
B. Classic Monogram Charm with Snake Chain, #3433A D.
C. New Moon Necklace, #0076 D. Juliette Watch, #JULIETTE E. Lux Jeweled Bracelet, #BG808 F. Addy Ring, #ADDY G. Stackable CZ Band Ring, #143864 H. Mini Greek Letter Ring, #0343 I. 10K Lavaliere and gold-filled Snake Chain, #L2649
E.
J. Classic Crescent Necklace, #3432 K. Lyanna Layered Necklace, #LYANNA K.
L. Crown Pearl Badge*, #0104 M. Crown Pearl Double Letter Guard, #0600 F.
N. Scholarship Pearl Dangle, #41
L.*
O. Chapter President Dangle, #01A P. One World One Heart Dangle #1W1H
G.
M.
H. G.
F.
N., O., P.
43 *Badges must be ordered through Gamma Phi Beta Headquarters.
Help us amplify ALL voices within Gamma Phi Beta. Send your stories to TheCrescent@gammaphibeta.org or by visiting GammaPhiBeta.org/Forms/The-Crescent-Story-Ideas.
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